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Monday, July 24, 2017

Paul's last days

Bible 1When the book of Acts closed, Paul has been a prisoner in Rome for two years. We do not know exactly what happened next but there are clues in the books Paul wrote to Timothy and Titus. They lead us to believe Paul was released from prison but later imprisoned again. Bible 2Paul was able to travel to Macedonia. He visited Ephesus where he left Timothy with the instruction, ‘Stay here and command those teaching false things to stop’ (1 Timothy 1:3). Bible 3Paul also left Titus in Crete with the instruction, ‘Put in order what was left unfinished and appoint elders in every town’ (Titus 1:5).

Bible 4When Paul wrote to Timothy the second time, he was back in prison again. ‘Do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord or of me his prisoner,’ he wrote. ‘Join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God’ (2 Timothy 1:8). Bible 5‘I was appointed by God to be an apostle and teacher of this gospel. That is why I am suffering as I am. I am certainly not ashamed of it, for I know the one in whom I trust, and I am sure that Jesus is able to safely guard all that I have given Him until the day of His return’ (2 Timothy 1:12). Bible 6‘Timothy, be strong in the love that is in Jesus. Make sure the things you heard me teach are taught by reliable men who can pass them onto others’ (2 Timothy 2:1).

Slide 7‘Flee the evil desires of youth and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart’ (2 Timothy 2:22).Bible 8‘Preach the word. Correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. Endure hardship, tell others about the Lord Jesus and do the things God asks you to do’ (2 Timothy 4:2-5). Bible 9Paul then wrote, ‘The time has come for my departure. I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith’ (2 Timothy 2:6-7).

Slide 10‘Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing’ (2 Timothy 4:8).Bible 11‘At my first defence, no one came to support me but everyone deserted me. Yet the Lord stood at my side and gave me strength so that the message might be fully told.’ Bible 12‘And I was delivered from the lion’s mouth! The Lord will rescue me from every evil attack and bring me safely to His heavenly kingdom! To Him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen’ (2 Timothy 4:16-18).

Paul's last daysThe final events in Paul's life pulled together from the clues in letters to Timothy and Titus.1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus